Headless Ancient Statue of Marcus Aurelius Returns to Türkiye After 65 Years
In a major cultural triumph, Türkiye has reclaimed a headless ancient statue believed to represent Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius. Looted from the ancient city of Boubon—now part of Burdur province—in the 1960s, the statue spent 65 years overseas before its long-awaited return.
From U.S. Display to Turkish Repatriation
From April to July 2025, the artifact was a part of an exhibition at The Cleveland Museum of Art. Turkish officials, in partnership with American authorities, facilitated the return of the statue after the exhibition ended. Gökhan Yazgı, Türkiye’s Deputy Culture Minister, stood next to the statue and referred to the occasion as “a powerful symbol of cultural justice.”
Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy highlighted the country’s recent achievements. “We fought with truth, stayed patient, and won,” he declared triumphantly. “We brought the ‘Philosopher Emperor’ back to his homeland.” His statement underscores the relentless work undertaken over many years by Turkish organizations to recover valuable cultural assets.
Officials supported their claim with a combination of scientific analysis, historical records, and eyewitness testimonies. These pieces of evidence built a compelling legal case, leading to successful negotiations with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
More Than a Cultural Win
This is not only a cultural achievement,” Ersoy elaborated. “It is a historic achievement—driven by diplomacy, law, and science.” He pointed out the return depicts quite a lot of stubbornness and cooperation through different nations working together to undo historical injustices
A National Exhibition on the Horizon of Headless Ancient Statue
Authorities plan to present the statue in a special exhibition in Ankara. This upcoming display will not only celebrate Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage but also highlight its commitment to historical preservation. The public will soon have a chance to witness this rare artifact up close.
Continuing the Mission to Recover History of Headless Ancient Statue
Ersoy reaffirmed the government’s resolve to retrieve all stolen antiquities. “Marcus Aurelius’s return is just the beginning,” he said. “We will continue to bring home every piece of our history that was taken illegally.”
A Symbol of Justice and Identity
Now back in Türkiye, the headless ancient statue stands as more than just a relic. It represents a renewed global focus on rightful ownership and serves as a reminder of Türkiye’s ongoing fight to protect its cultural identity.
